Simplify, Simplify, Simplify!
This was the urging from Henry David Thoreau, the poet, naturalist, and philosopher, who famously shed modern day conventions to retreat to the woods for the extreme simple-living experiment.
While I’m not suggesting we all retreat to the woods and give up Netflix…I do want to give you what I feel are very solid tips for restoring balance to your everyday well being. Simplify and you’ll find your life will be much more peaceful. Let’s start with the obvious, the one you’re undoubtedly expecting…decluttering.
Less Inventory = More Peace
You may not realize just how much those extra items on surfaces, or stored in containers stacked in the garage or basement affect your peace, but trust me they do. I never understood how this excess was affecting me until one day as I was walking on the treadmill, I caught myself looking around the room thinking of what I needed to organize or simply get rid of. My eyes focused on bins with old clothing, books, magazines, decorative items, etc. Instead of feeling good after a workout, I felt a burden of a growing to-do list.
Let it Go
Many people feel intimidated by the idea of dragging everything out Marie Kondo style and going item by item tackling the spark joy question. It’s all kind of overwhelming. My advice, start small and go through items bin by bin over many weekends. You will be surprised how quickly things accumulate in our lives and basements. Let go of the items that have lived in bins for years unused and unappreciated. You will feel lighter with each trip to the thrift store.
Stop the Shuffling
In my experience, the shuffling of things you own as their importance in your life diminishes is a natural flow from upstairs, to the basement, around to the garage, and eventually (can be years) to thrift store or garbage can. These things are just mere inventory taking up space in your home and weighing on your mind. Taking the time to process them will lead directly to a sense of calm well-being.
Organize it
As you let go of the unwanted items, organize the rest that ideally will be only the items that are utilized and wanted. A place for everything and everything in it’s place, is not just a quip but actually the motto for more peace in your home. No more wasted time searching for things you can’t remember where you put them. Less items, all in their places will streamline your life and free up time scouring your home, basement and garage for their whereabouts. Less need for Apple Air tags…
Landline Upgrade
You may have canceled yours years ago, as many others have but you may also like me, still have one. My elderly mom hears the landline phone ring much better than her cell and if I’m being honest I feel the quality of the connection is just better. So what to do? Luckily, my neighbor suggested a VoIP called Ooma. After purchasing (one time fee) the base, you have the option of keeping your number, which they port over for a small one time fee or getting a new number. With Ooma we were able to save over $50/month in charges, the phone line is very clear and we no longer have the worry when landlines go away. I’m sure there are many other VoIP services you could find as well, this is just what I use.
Work those Apps Baby!
Managing your services and apps can be done easily and free up the monthly outflow of money. An occasional review of current streaming services cost vs what you’re actually using is wise. Most plan’s monthly costs are small, tempting us to sign up for more than we need. The beauty of modern day streaming services is their flexibility for customers. Some streaming services offer the option of pausing service for up to 3 months, which I love and utilize. You can pause it to save money for a few months or to sign up for another that just offered a great deal. I cycle through the streaming services canceling one and restoring another. I also find the free Apps like: Tubi, Pluto, and Plex are all packed with good tv and film options.
Simple Living Life
Once you have decluttered and organized your home and streamlined accounts (saving money too!) – you can relax free of mental clutter and stress. I hope you find some or all of these tips helpful.
